craigslist bargaining

[Jeff F]

I just shot a very nicely-worded email saying how much I used to love the game, and that I knew it was a good price, but only had $250 and it would be a while before I could get the additional $100. He sold it to me for $250 and has been a really good contact for all sorts of game-related things...

I do that sort of thing all the time. I either offer what I have or what I think something is worth. I word it nice, and try to be honest. Sometimes I get the game, most of the times I don't. I never call a person nuts or stupid for asking what they ask, if anything I sometimes apologize for offering what I offer.

Good luck.

 

[Tonym]

if theres an outragious price that causes you not to even want to deal with the guy you have to realize your not the only one. point is the guys phone isnt ringing

so you call up say hey, your intrested in the game, you want to come see. dont try and bargin untill your there

try not to disrespect the guy but make sure you point out its issues and then shoot him your offer. dont be afraid to take a counter offer but if he isnt playing you walk. dont hesitate, say heres my phone number, call me if you want to take me up on it.

if he still has it two weeks later and is calling you hungry, thats grounds to even knock a few more dollars off the price. "you still have it, and its kind of lost some of its excitment for me"

i dont discuss price untill im standing there ready to buy, that includes the 2nd time you go if he calls you back, and always be willing to walk.

i was flipping alot of less-then-$1,000 cars over the summer with CL and ebay. it was alot of the same tactics

 

[SeanMcL]

My tactic: I go look at what it is, tell the guy I sure would like it and it looks great, but I usually only pay $xxx.xx for one of those, and I am sure he will find someone who wants it more than me. Leave your name and number, compliment the guys goods again, and be gone. Call back in 3 weeks or whatever seems good and see what he says; since you haven't insulted him he'll usually at least talk to you.

Works maybe 10% of the time. I have never had any other method work at getting the price down from a guy who thinks his stuff is golden.

/yes, I said "compliment the guys goods".

 

[tineras]

anyone have advice for craigslist bargaining? we all know the "super rare", "$10000000 firm", "mint", "needs work" etc.

do you even attempt to negotiate, or not bother with that crowd? Is there a good way or tactic you have used? someone is currently selling a dk3, needs prob a cap kit, has sound issues, cab looks ok for 800obo.

i would think, it would be about 4-500?

any stories, or advice you would like to share =)

I have a friend that deals with the "FIRM" people all the time. He just sends a polite email offering them less (sometimes much less...like half) and tells them to contact him if they don't end up selling. Sometimes it falls through, but he gets A LOT of calls back (sometimes weeks or even months later) and he stays firm on his price. You'd be surprised how often they give in because they need the cash/space. The worst they can do is say no.

 

[cleverlyj]

a thing that's worked for me is letting higher priced stuff sit and call after it's been on CL for a while. the longer you wait it out the better chance you have of getting a good deal.

when i got my wizard of wor, it had been sitting on CL at $500 for a few weeks with no takers. i called the guy and offered $250. he accepted, and then when i got there i looked it over real good and got him down further to $150.

 

[smalltownguy2]

At the risk, of sounding really slimy (which I know it will), I take no prisoners when it comes to Craigslist. If I choose to respond to an ad, I let the seller know up front that I mean business, and I won't flake out. I respond to emails within 10 minutes, and ALWAYS get back. People put a lot of stake in consistent, reliable communication. We ALL hate flakes.

The fact of the matter is, the seller's not going to let the item go for less than they're willing to let it go for. The magical point between what you're willing to pay and what they're willing to sell for = SALE.

There are MANY ways to work a deal to your advantage. Depends on how badly you want what's for sale. There are no rules when it comes to dealing on CL. Have I bought some stuff for prices that are ridiculous? You bet. Have I ever sold something for less than I wanted to? No way.

Here's a tried and true tactic that I've personally witnessed. I've yet to try it -- I'm just not sure Karma would treat me well: Have your buddy call on the ad and offer full price. He's sets up an appointment 2 days in the future. 30 minutes before he's supposed to show up, he calls to cancel. Then you call/email 10 minutes after he's called and casually ask if the item is still available, offering 50% less than ask. Frustrated seller caves in and takes you up on your offer.

Skeevy? You bet. Effective? You bet. Would I do it? I'm not sure. Maybe for something non-arcade related. The more I play in this hobby, the more I realize it's a pretty small community around me, and I'd rather play nice among others in the sandbox -- not shit where I eat, so to speak.

 

[hasenfang]

I do not even attempt to deal with those people.

It's quite amazing that on the Chicago CL that you see the same overpriced ads over and over again.

Examples:

Space Gun - Has been on CL for over a year. Currently $400 but over a year ago he wanted $600 for it. Still priced too high.

Getaway (Pinball) - $3000 on CL for almost a year. Niles, IL. Does this guy really think he is going to sell it for $3k when there is currently one on CL for $899 and another one for $1600.

This Niles guy also sells overpriced arcade games too. Another over poster of high priced stuff is from someone in Crystal Lake.

LOL - Chicago CL is crazy....

I usually send my offer out and see what they say... I have had a few of those deals work out.

Usually, I will get something like, "I know what this is worth" and "No way this is a full size game!" I usually will respond that they will be lucky to get half of what they are asking and then tell them that I am still interested, and they have my contact info if they change their mind.

 

[gregbl]

LOL - Chicago CL is crazy....

I usually send my offer out and see what they say... I have had a few of those deals work out.

Usually, I will get something like, "I know what this is worth" and "No way this is a full size game!" I usually will respond that they will be lucky to get half of what they are asking and then tell them that I am still interested, and they have my contact info if they change their mind.

Agreed, most of the posts on Chicago CL are insanely high. You'll sometimes find a good deal though, because I've personally picked up several good ones from Chicago CL posts for a really good or at least decent price.

I also now have one really good contact that I've made via Chicago CL that I bought several games from...